Grand rising, West Michigan. October 17th is National Mulligan Day, a day to give yourself a second chance or a 'do-over.' On the first tee box, we like to call them a breakfast ball 🥓 🏌️ 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Great Lakes’ Levels Plunge 🎡 

• 131-Room Hotel In Grand Haven

• MI Cherry Harvest Disaster 🛟 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Hike Under The Hunter’s Moon In Muskegon

This week features the third and brightest supermoon of the year, known as the Hunter’s Moon. It will be most visible from Wednesday to Friday. Muskegon Luge Adventure Park is hosting a special event this weekend to celebrate the supermoon, including a guided night hike to Lost Lake.

The event will include lights on the trail at sunset and a bonfire from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, in the fire garden. Roasting kits and hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the lodge, with season pass holders receiving a free hot dog and s’mores kit.

A guided 2.5-mile hike departs at 8 p.m., leading to Lost Lake, which has a wheelchair-accessible trail and overlook. The moonlit hike is free, and participants should meet at the lodge before 8 p.m. Flashlights are recommended, and there will be a scavenger hunt bingo game with prizes. For more details, visit here.

Disaster Declared For Michigan’s Cherry Harvest

Federal agriculture officials have authorized disaster protections for Michigan's cherry growers after significant crop losses. Following a request from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in August, the USDA approved emergency funding for Antrim, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and eight surrounding counties. This year's crop was severely affected by abnormally wet spring weather and pest infestations, with losses ranging from 30% to 75%. Key issues included a mild winter that failed to control pests and conditions favorable to fungal diseases. Farmers struggled with repeated pesticide applications, but much of the fruit was too damaged for traditional uses, forcing it into lower-value juice production. Federal verification confirmed at least a 30% loss, enabling growers to access low-interest emergency loans for their weather-related losses. The disaster declaration highlights ongoing challenges in the industry.

Great Lakes’ Water Levels Plunge

The very dry September combined with the typical seasonal decline in water levels are bringing Great Lakes' water levels down to lowest level in several years. Drainage basins averaged less than half of normal rainfall, with Lake Superior at just 38% and now below its usual September level. Although Lake Superior experienced low levels briefly in early 2022, it has been above average since 2014. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, treated as a single basin, also maintained their above-average status since September 2014 despite receiving only 44% of normal rainfall this past month. Lake Erie remains eight inches above its average after 55% of normal rain, while Lake Ontario had the highest rainfall at 80% of normal but fluctuated below average since 2014. Currently, all lakes are in a normal seasonal decline due to decreased winter precipitation and evaporation, with expected rises in March associated with spring rains and snowmelt.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Record Growth With MI Tourists Last Year

In 2023, Michigan welcomed 128.3 million tourists, over 12 times its population, marking a significant tourism recovery. Visitors spent $29.3 billion, up $2 billion from the previous year, with a total economic impact of $53.2 billion. Transportation accounted for 25% of spending, while the food and beverage sector saw a 10.8% increase, totaling $7 billion. Overnight stays reached 53.8 million, averaging $428 per visitor. Retail and recreation each received 14% of spending, both growing by about 6%. Outdoor recreation has had continued growth and contributed $12.6 billion to the economy in 2022.

131-Room River Front Hotel Proposed For Grand Haven

Elite Hospitality Group plans to build a riverfront hotel in Grand Haven as part of the Grand Landing development. Originally conceived in 2008, the hotel's location has shifted to enhance waterfront views. The Grand Haven Planning Commission recently recommended a zoning amendment for the site, prompting the city to treat the project as new. The four-story, dual-branded hotel will feature 131 rooms—59 Hampton Inn and 72 Home 2 Suites—with amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Groundbreaking is expected in late 2025, following city council approvals in November and December. Tax incentives may be sought due to site contamination.

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

Looking to improve your golf game or hosting an event?

Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, Simulator Consultants is a locally owned and operated, customer-focused company that provides high-quality golf simulator installations and mobile event rentals. Our installations cover commercial and residential settings, simulator equipment sales, custom designing, and consulting services to accommodate virtually all spaces. Additionally, Simulator Consultants offers mobile golf simulator rentals for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, corporate events, marketing events, trade shows, expos, and other gatherings both big and small. We take great pride in the personalized experience our team provides to each and every customer.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Muskegon Farmers Market 8-2pm

Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Free Thursdays at Muskegon Museum of Art

Friday - Lotus Room - EDM Halloween Party 8pm

Muskegon Museum of History & Science - Friday Family Fun Night: Smashing Pumpkins 5:30-7:30pm

Hackley and Hume Historic Site - Obituary Tour 6:30-10pm

Ghost Afloat! Haunted Tours of the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper 7-11pm

Saturday - Muskegon Farmers Market 8-2pm

Muskegon Farmers Market - Halloween Bash 10am-1pm

Ghost Afloat! Haunted Tours of the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper 7-11pm

Hackley and Hume Historic Site - Obituary Tour 6:30-10pm

Monday - The Valkyrie - Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Spring Lake Farmers Market 9am-2pm

Friday- Odd Side Live Music 8-11pm

Saturday- Grand Haven Farmers Market 8am-1pm

Washington Square Fall Block Party 3-7pm

Downtown - Bones About Town (reoccurring until 10/25)

Coopersville - Pumpkin Train 1-2:30pm

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Friday - Holland Civic Center Place - Autumn 2024 Expo 4-8pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 8-2pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Autumn 2024 Expo 8am-4pm

Outdoor Discovery Center - Treats and Trails 2-7pm

Bowerman's Fall Farm Tour & History Hike 10am-4pm

Bowerman's Pumpkin Fest 10am-4pm

Sunday - New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday

61 🌡️ 48 | 🌤️ |

Friday

64 🌡️ 47 | ☀️ |

Saturday

67 🌡️ 51 | ☀️ |

Sunday

66 🌡️ 53 | ☀️ |

Monday

68 🌡️ 50 | ☀️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Roger Gonda I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I BPM Jazz I 6pm

Friday

Odd Side I Nate Dill I 8pm

Grand Armory I Legends I 6:30pm

Itty Bitty Bar I 10 Years Late I 9pm

Hops at 84 East I Carl Webb & Tom Hull I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Jack Leaver I 8pm

Saturday

Muskegon Farmers Market I Burnished Brass I 9-11am

Red Rooster Tavern I The Murphy’s Law Band I 8pm

The Valkyrie I The Jess & Mike Duo I 7pm

Grand Armory I Round Creek String Band I 6:30pm

Park Theatre I The Insiders - Tom Petty Tribute wsg. Jaik Willis I 8pm

Hops at 84 East I Marlane Lewis I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I V*A*S*E* I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Decades I 8pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Sweet Lady B’s I 5pm

SPORTS

Sunday - Detroit Lions vc Dallas Cowboys 4:25pm

THANKS!

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